HPAI: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Its Impact on Poultry and Food Prices

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) refers to strains of influenza A virus that cause severe disease and high mortality in domestic poultry. The primary strain of concern since 2022 is H5N1, which has caused the largest and most sustained avian influenza outbreak in US history. ## The 2022-Present Outbreak HPAI was first confirmed in a US commercial flock on February 8, 2022, at a turkey operation in Indiana. The outbreak subsequently spread to over 1,761 commercial and backyard flocks across nearly all 50 states. Table-egg-laying hen flocks were disproportionately affected, accounting for 75% of total domestic poultry losses. The average number of table-egg-laying hens dropped 5% below pre-outbreak levels (from ~312 million to ~296 million per month). US table egg production in 2024 fell to 93.1 billion, 2.6% below 2021 pre-outbreak levels. These supply reductions directly caused the egg price spikes consumers experienced in 2022-2023. ## Transmission HPAI spreads through wild migratory birds (particularly waterfowl, which can carry the virus asymptomatically) contacting domestic poultry operations. The virus can also spread through contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, and aerosol droplets. Once detected in a commercial flock, the standard response is depopulation (culling) of the entire flock to prevent further spread — there is no treatment for infected birds. ## Economic Impact HPAI outbreaks create supply shocks in poultry markets. The culling of millions of laying hens reduces egg supply, driving price spikes. Broiler (meat chicken) operations affected by outbreaks reduce chicken meat supply, contributing to retail price increases. The outbreaks compound existing joint production constraints on specific cuts like wings, where supply is already structurally limited. ## Human Health Concern While primarily an animal disease, H5N1 has occasionally transmitted to humans — particularly dairy farm workers who had direct contact with infected cattle (the virus crossed into US dairy herds in 2024). Human cases remain rare but are monitored closely because influenza viruses can mutate to become more transmissible between humans. Why Chicken Wings Inflated 7x While General Prices Only Doubled (2005–2025)